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What is CPU Virtualization & How to Enable it in BIOS?
It is quite easy to enable CPU virtualization on a PC
5 min. read
Updated onAugust 15, 2024
updated onAugust 15, 2024
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Key notes
Virtualization is a technique that creates multiple versions of various system resources, including your CPU, server, storage, etc. For example, CPU Virtualization lets you use a single CPU like two different CPUs. This is like running two other computers on a single machine.
In this guide, we will help you understand what CPU virtualization is and how you can enable it in theBIOS settings of your PC. Virtualization can help several organizations efficiently manage their resources and other benefits, which we will discuss in this guide.
What is CPU virtualization?
The basic meaning of virtualization is to create another version of an operating system or any other resource. This could be anything from a network source, server, storage, or CPU.
When you virtualize your CPU, you give the same powers of one CPU to be used in another system virtually.
Everyvirtual machineruns an independent OS and acts like a separate computer. But that is not true, as it runs on just a portion of the main CPU.
Virtualization software communicates directly with the CPU, and the software handles everything else in the computer.
The software then splits the communication into different sections, as if they were being transmitted via two separate CPUs. One of the main advantages of CPU virtualization is that it allows you to run two different operating systems in one CPU.
There are two primary types of CPU virtualization:
Is CPU virtualization the same as multi-tasking?
Do note that one should not confuse CPU virtualization with multitasking. Also, it would be best not to read CPU virtualization with hyperthreading along the same lines.
Multitasking lets you run two or more two applicationsat one time. However, the focus of operation would always be on a single application. Every modern CPU enables you to multitask.
On the other hand, hyperthreading is where compatible CPUs run a program specifically meant to carry out two actions at the same time.
Different from both multitasking and hyperthreading is CPU virtualization. In CPU virtualization, a single CPU can act as multiple separate systems.
So, you can run two operating systems in one CPU—for example, MacOS on one and Windows OS on the other. With CPU virtualization, running Windows OS on a Mac or Linus PC is also possible.
CPU Virtualization benefits
For instance, a software development company can use virtual machines to simulate different operating environments for testing purposes. This can save costs and time, as developers can quickly switch between various operating systems and configurations without the need for multiple physical devices.
How can I enable CPU virtualization in BIOS?
That is it from us in this guide. The above steps let you turn on CPU virtualization on your PC. If you get an error whereVT-X is disabled in the BIOS for all CPU modes, you should check out our guide to fix the problem.
Also, ifHypervisor is not running on your PC, you can refer to the solutions in our guide to resolve the problem.
We also have a guide that explains the3 efficient ways to disable Hyper-V in Windows 11. So you should check out our guide if you want that.
Feel free to know your thoughts on this guide and whether you successfully enabled CPU virtualization on your PC or not.
Sagar Naresh
Sagar is a web developer and technology journalist. Currently associated with WindowsReport and SamMobile. When not writing, he is either at the gym sweating it out or playing country music on his guitar.
He is an avid traveler and has been to 15 countries, going to more places soon. TRAVEL and WORK is his mantra for a peaceful life.
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